Student Visas

As an international student coming to the United States, there are three different student visas that you could be
issued: F1 Visa, J1 Visa or M1 Visa. The F1 and J1 visas allow
for the possibility of employment in the US during your stay, while the M1 Visa does not. You need to be familiar
with the types of visas, how they impact your financing while in the USA and how to go through the application and arrival
processes.

Types of International Student Visas

F1 VisaAcademic Studies

The "F" visa is for academic studies. An
F1 visa is issued to students
who are attending an academic
program or English Language Program. F1 visas are by far the most common form of international student visa in the
U.S. F1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F-1 status allows for
part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students can work on
optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by
the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

A J1 visa is issued to
students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home
country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F-1 visa, with
similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.

An M1 visa is issued to a
student who is going to attend a non-academic or vocational school. M-1 visa holders
for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student
visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living
costs for the entire period of intended stay.

The US Visa system can be extremely difficult and complicated to navigate. Please be sure to visit
our immigration center which will provide you with more detailed
information about specific student visa's for the USA.

Living with your Student Visa in the USA

As you begin to think about funding sources for your educational and living expenses in the United States, remember
that you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research
assistantship. Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while carrying a student visa, and
when you submit evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income. The income on which you
base your application must be assured, and it must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your
studies.

Careful long-term and short-term planning is necessary to ensure that you will have a rewarding educational
experience in the United States. If you are realistic about your financial needs, you will be better able to enjoy
the exciting academic and cultural experience of living and learning in the United States.

Be sure to start exploring your funding options and establish your budget well before you plan to start your studies abroad!

The International Student scholarships database contains frequently updated information about scholarships,
grants and assistantships. If you are considering a research or teaching assistantship, please search the
available options.

Applying for your Visa

When putting together your application for a student visa, you will first need to research the admission policy
for your university. Keep the following items in mind:

Academic Eligibility

Every school has different academic eligibility criteria. Your school will tell you what their requirements are.
If you are still in the process of researching different schools, you can use the USA School Search to research
general academic standing and test scores.

Financial Stability

You will need to show that you can support yourself without having to work.

Your arrival at the United States Port of Entry

You need to be aware that even if your visa is granted, it does not guarantee your entry into the United States. It
is ultimately up to the CBP [Customs and Border Protection]
to let you into the United States. It is also the job of the CBP to determine how long you may remain in the United States.

At the port of entry, a CBP official validates Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of
stay permitted. This will be a small white card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon
your entry to the U.S. The form I-94 is your permit to stay in the U.S.

After determining your student visa situation, you should carefully examine the healthcare options available to you
while studying in the USA.
Learn More

USA School Search

Useful Resources

About International Student

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